NGN WITH QUESTIONS
AND WELL VERIFIED
ANSWERS [GRADED A+]
ACTUAL EXAM 100%
A 49-year-old client is seen in clinic for a follow-up visit since starting
enalapril for primary hypertension at her last visit 1 month ago. She reports
nausea and diarrhea for the past few weeks and is not sure what is causing
these symptoms because she has implemented various lifestyle changes.
She has a medical history significant for dyslipidemia, which is treated with
simvastatin, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is managed with insulin.
Since her last visit, she has increased exercise, uses potassium
supplements instead of sodium when cooking, and has eliminated alcohol.
Vital signs are temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), heart rate of 80 beats per
minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 126/78,
and pulse oximetry reading of 97%. - ANS✔✔---Laboratory Value
Today's Result
Result From 1 Month Ago
, Reference Range
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
17 U/L
19 U/L
4 to 36 U/L
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
20 U/L
21 U/L
0 to 35 U/L
Serum creatinine (Scr)
0.9 mg/dL
1.0 mg/dL
0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL
Potassium
5.2 mEq/L
4.9 mEq/L
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
The patient developed HYPERKALEMIA - ANS✔✔---As evidence by
change in POTASSIUM
Rationale - ANS✔✔---Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,
such as enalapril, may cause hyperkalemia or elevated potassium levels
secondary to suppression of aldosterone release. This client has developed
hyperkalemia, as noted by the increase in the client's potassium level (i.e.,
from 4.9 mEq/L to 5.2 mEq/L), which is now above the upper limit of normal
(i.e., 5.0 mEq/L). Additionally, the client has reported nausea and diarrhea,
symptoms suggestive of hyperkalemia, within the time frame of initiating
enalapril and lifestyle changes. Notably, the client reports using potassium
supplements instead of sodium for cooking as a means of reducing her